By Paul Lambis

American playwright and essayist, Arthur Miller referred to theatre as “an endless fascination that is so much like life.” Theatre most certainly explores the human experience: the positives and the negatives of our living existence. Through theatre, we find emotional connections that make us more aware and sensitive towards various issues.

As the pandemic has prodded this ancient form to explore digital platforms it has eyed so warily in the past, nothing can replace the live theatre experience. Live theatre has more immediacy; events unfold before your very eyes; emotion, laughter and ambiance are palpable; it feels as if a community is coming together under one roof.

I was fortunate enough to experience this wonderful sense of community towards the end of last year after participating in an open global debate that focused on the future of the arts in the post-pandemic world. Through a web-based video conferencing tool, internationally acclaimed performing and visual artists, along with producers and directors of music and theatre, openly discussed the challenges the arts are facing, and the essential role that culture can play in tomorrow’s world. Dubbed ‘The New Mission of the Arts,’ this wonderful group of talented individuals joined the lengthy debate hosted by the multifaceted cultural platform Theatrum Vitae.

Founded by international architect Rafael Porzycki and international musician and producer Olga Balakleets Theatrum Vitae (Theatre of Life) is an innovative venture designed to transcend barriers and unite people from around the world. Simply put, this ambitious project is a planned series of large-scale, spectacular shows staged at iconic landmarks in various countries that will explore the evolution of the human mind through a vibrant fusion of the creative arts – a cultural renaissance, so to speak, that will take us on a journey from mythological origins to the dawn of our digital world.

As with everything in life, there is always a beginning, and it is no wonder that the island of the goddess of love and beauty is the chosen location to kick-start this project in the summer of 2022. Opening with The Path of Aphrodite, Theatrum Vitae will commence its journey in Cyprus at the scenic coastal site of Petra tou Romiou, the birthplace of the goddess. It will then move on to Athens for the second part of the journey with The Wisdom of Aristotle, followed by Rebirth in the historic town of Florence, home of the celebrated Renaissance poet Dante Alighieri. The final leg of this giant world tour will take place in London with Cyber World completing Theatrum Vitae’s first journey through wisdom and humanity – from the origins of humankind to the digital world of today.

When asked about the cultural platform, project concept creator Porzycki beams with excitement at the thought of bringing this grand spectacle to fruition. “Theatrum Vitae is a living experience. It is the perception of our cultural roots and of human evolution,” he says. “It aims to promote Cyprus and its unique cultural heritage across the globe. The project will further develop the country’s image as a unique tourism destination and dynamic hub.”

Co-founder Balakleets is not new to the Cyprus cultural scene. As entrepreneur and CEO of an international events company, Balakleets is also the founder of the Cyprus-Russia Gala, an annual event held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia under the patronage of the First Lady in support of the Cyprus Radiomarathon. Established 14 years ago through her events company, Ensemble Productions, the Cyprus-Russia Gala is today one of the most important events related to Russia outside the Federation.

From the initial spark of inspiration to the intricate detail that pours into the set, costume and lighting, a distinct magic resides within theatre. It is a vibrant reflection of our inner selves; what defines us as people for centuries to come. Despite the pandemic, I find it refreshing that there are individuals like Porzycki and Balakleets who have chosen to overlook the current obstacles by wrapping themselves around a liberated field of imagination. “It is our job to try and make the future a better place,” Balakleets says. “After all, imagination is the theatre’s engine.”

To find out more about Theatrum Vitae visit www.theatrum-vitae.com